DwarkaMai - Sai Baba Forum
Main Section => Welcome to Sai Baba Forum => Topic started by: Rashi on October 08, 2010, 04:42:44 AM
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TO ALL THE MEMBERS AND GUESTS....
HAPPY NAVRATRI../..HAPPY DURGA PUJA
Navratri festival, which celebrates the nine forms of shakti (goddess),commence from Toda. Navratri represents the celebration of Goddess Durga, the manifestation of deity in the form of shakti.
The goddess fought demon Mahishasur for nine nights and this triumph is celebrated as Navratri.
In Gujarat, Navratri is celebrated with the famous Garba and Dandiya-Raas dance.
In Bengal it is celebrated as a community festival and huge idols of the goddess killing Mahishasur are installed called Durga Puja.
In South India, people prepare elaborate golus, which are steps with small idols placed on them.
I request all the memebers....to enjoy the festivals....
"JAI MATA DI"
OM SHRI SAINATHAYA NAMAH
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happy navratri members ..may mata rani bless all of you...and spread happiness in all our lifes and our dear one lifes..
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Jai Mata Di! Please forgive me Mata Rani for my sins, for those when I remember I am not able to withstand it. Please forgive me just forgive me and give me positive karma and thoughts, good character, knowledge and wisdom
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HAPPY NAVRATRI/ HAPPY DURGA PUJA
'Nava-ratri' is one of the most important Hindu festivals in the country. It is celebrated
with immense zeal and enthusiasm all over the country. It is celebrated twice a year -once
in Chaitra (March-April) and the other in Ashwin (September-October). Navartra literally
means 'nine auspicious nights'. It is actually the worship of the Goddess of power in order
to seek her protection from any possible kind of threat and calamities that may destroy
the peaceful life of people on earth. As she is the goddess of power, she is believed to
have the power of creation, preservation and destruction.
Nine Days Navaratri Celebrations
Navaratri is separated into sets of three days i.e. into three sets. These sets are made
in order to adore different facets of the supreme goddess. On the initial three days, the
Goddess is invoked as the supreme powerful force called Durga. Goddess Durga is meant
to all our contaminations, evils and defects. On the next three days, she is worshipped
as the mother of spiritual wealth, Goddess Lakshmi, She is the one who is considered
to have the power of showering on her devotees with the blessings of never-ending
wealth. In the final set of three days, the Goddess is worshipped as the goddess of
wisdom, Saraswati. The one is responsible for spiritual enlightenment and overall
success in life.
She is also worshipped under nine different names for the nine days in Navratri. Every day,
she assumes a new character, a new look and a new duty. She is worshipped as Shailputri,
Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Maha Gauri
and Siddhidatri. For the initial six the Pooja celebrations are limited to home. The celebrations
acquire a festive form since the seventh day when the festivities of Navratri surround the atmosphere.
First Day Pooja
The first form of Goddess Durga is called Shailputri . She is considered the daughter of the
Himalayas. She is a form of Shakti, the consort of Lord Shiva.
(http://devotionalonly.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/shailputri-devi-day1.gif)
Second Day Pooja
The second form of Goddess Durga is known as 'Brahmacharini'. Her name is derivative of the
word 'Brahma', which means 'Tapa' or penace. She is also a form of Uma or Parvati, a
form of Mata Shakti.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JbkfdQvU5jA/Swah_CicbMI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/YINPpV0ECz0/s1600/Second+Navadurga+Mata.jpg)
Third Day Pooja
On the third day the goddess is worshipped as Chandraghanta. She is the symbolic
representation of beauty and bravery.
(http://www.exoticindiaart.com/panels/chandraghanta_navadurga_the_nine_forms_of_goddess_wk85.jpg)
Fourth Day Pooja
Kushmanda, is the form of the goddess which is worshipped on the fourth day. It is
believed that Kushmanda is the creator of the entire Universe and she has created the
entire Universe by her laugh.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_54mOnQmrPnI/SfWlGsaxFSI/AAAAAAAAFyE/YBkyYc-1cKE/s400/dur17maa.jpg)
Fifth Day Pooja
On the fifth day, the form of Goddess is called Skand Mata. She is actually called so because
she is here represented as the mother of Skanda, the chief warrior of the Gods army.
(http://www.exoticindiaart.com/panels/skanda_mata_navadurga_the_nine_forms_of_goddess_wk88.jpg)
Sixth Day Pooja
On the sixth day, the goddess is worshipped as Katyayani. Seated on her vehicle lion,
Katyayani has three eyes and four hands.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbkfdQvU5jA/S9bCelOxHLI/AAAAAAAAA-I/9FCAnDiHOyw/s1600/Goddess+Katyayaini.jpg)
Seventh Day Pooja
On the seventh day, the Goddess is worshipped as 'Kalratri'. As the name suggests,
Kalrati is as black as a dark night. She has four hands, she is meant to make the devotees fearless.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9beKSWVj94/TaKIA0Fh9kI/AAAAAAAAANw/ApNkvdtUxEs/s1600/Kalaratri-durga.jpg)
Eighth Day Pooja
On the eight day, the Mata Rani is worshipped as 'Maha Gauri'. She is considered to
extremely beautiful, white like snow and accessorized with white colored ornaments.
She represents calmness and exhibits wisdom.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JbkfdQvU5jA/S-qXqw7U2fI/AAAAAAAABCI/MOLhr6Cj-K4/s1600/Goddess+Maha+Gauri.jpg)
Ninth Day Pooja
On the ninth day, Durga is worshipped as Siddhidatri. It is believed she consists of all
the eight siddhis. She lives on lotus and is worshipped by all the Rishis-Munis, Siddhas,
Sadhakas and Yogis.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_54mOnQmrPnI/SfWlGsaxFSI/AAAAAAAAFyE/YBkyYc-1cKE/s400/dur17maa.jpg)
India is a country of festivals and celebration. It has a very rich historical and cultural
background. Each Indian festival has a proper meaning, reason and significance behind
its celebration. Fun and enjoyment are the aspects of the festivals, which sets the festive
mood. Navratri, as the name suggests, means nine nights. It is one of the important Hindu
festivals. It is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, the deity of Power. Like other
festivals of India, Navratri also has a significance and meaning attached to it. Each day of the
nine-day festival are dedicated to the worship of different forms of Goddess Durga, which
unfolds the religious importance of the occasion. Go through the following lines to know more
about the significance of Navratri festival.
Significance of Navratri
The First Three Days of Navratri
The first three days of Navratri are devoted to the worship of the Goddess Durga. This is the
period, when her energy and power are worshipped. Each day is dedicated to a different
appearance of Durga. Kumari, which signifies the girl child, is worshipped on the first day
of the festival. Parvati, who is the embodiment of a young woman, is worshipped on the
second day. The destructive aspects of Goddess Durga symbolize the commitment to acquire
triumph over all the evil tendencies. Hence, on the third day of Navratri, Goddess Kali is worshipped,
who represents the woman who has reached the stage of maturity.
Fourth to Sixth Days of Navratri
When a person acquires triumph over evil tendencies of ego, anger, lust and other animal
instincts, he/she experiences a void. This void is filled with spiritual wealth. For the purpose,
the person approaches Goddess Lakshmi, to acquire all the materialistic, spiritual wealth
and prosperity. This is the reason why the fourth, fifth and sixth day of Navratri are dedicated
to the worship of Lakshmi - the goddess of prosperity and peace.
Although the individual has acquired victory over evil tendencies and wealth, he is still deprived
of true knowledge. Knowledge is required to live the life of a humane, even though he/she is
prospered with power and wealth. Therefore, Goddess Saraswati is worshipped on the fifth day
of Navratri. All the books and other literature materials are gathered in one place and a 'diya'
(earthen lamp) is lit in front of the deity, to invoke the goddess and seek her blessings. Till the
time the books are kept at the puja room, the students would not study.
Seventh and Eighth Day of Navratri
The seventh day is dedicated to worshipping Saraswati, the goddess of art and knowledge.
Prayers are offered with an aim to seek spiritual knowledge. A 'yagna' is performed on the
eight day. This comprises of a sacrifice honoring goddess Durga as well as bids her farewell.
The sacrifice or offering is made out of clarified butter (ghee), rice pudding known as kheer
and sesame seeds.
Ninth Day of Navratri
The ninth day is the final day of Navratri celebrations. It is also known as 'Mahanavami'.
On the day, Kanya puja is performed to worship nine young girls, who have not yet reached
the stage of puberty. These nine girls symbolize one of the nine forms of goddess Durga. The
feet of girls are washed to welcome the goddess and show respect to her. The girls are offered
a set of new clothes as a gift from the devotees at the end of the puja.
The nine days and nights of Navratri are dedicated to Mother Goddess. The celebrations of
the festival include fasts, strictly vegetarian diet, japa (chanting mantras in honor of the
Goddess Shakti) and recitation of religious hymns, prayer, meditation and sacred texts
related to Goddess Durga. Navratri is celebrated twice a year - once in the month of Chaitra
(April-May) and again in the month of Ashwin (September-October). On both the occasions,
nine different forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped. In the September-October celebrations,
the main ritual consists of placing images of the Goddess in homes and temples. On the tenth day,
the idol is immersed in water. Numerous other celebrations are also associated with Navratri festival.
Let us know more about the celebrations of Navratri.
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Navaratri Celebrations
Bengal
During Navratri, Bengalis in India worship huge idols of the Goddess, perform devotional
songs and dances and finally take out grand processions on the tenth day, when the idols
are immersed in water. The last four days of the festival are most important for them. People
worship pre-pubescent young girls, known as 'kanyas', as the embodiments of Goddess Durga.
'Ayudha Puja' is performed on the ninth day, where one worships the tools, implements of
their livelihood and places it on the altar of the Goddess for her blessings of success and
prosperity. Even children place their study books and writing tools on the altar and the families
spend whole day in contemplation of the Goddess. On the tenth day of Dussehra, devotees
perform 'Saraswati Puja' for blessings of knowledge and mental peace. During Navratri,
thousands of devotees visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple in Kolkota, West Bengal.
(http://www.netglimse.com/images/events/navaratri/navaratrinavratri27.jpg)
Gujarat
In Gujarat, Navratri is a community event, where people perform devotional songs and
dances that are popular by the names of 'Dandiya Raas' and 'Garba Raas', and observe Jaagran
(waking through the night), to please the Goddess. Amba Mata Temple at Junagarh, Gujarat,
is a favorite pilgrim for devotees, during Navratri. Here, painted earthen pots are used to
represent the Goddess and Garba dances are performed by the Gujarati women around
those pots, in circles. The pots are valued as the abode of the Goddess. The Rasa has its
origin in the life scenes of Lord Krishna and is associated with the agricultural rites, while
Garba is performed only by men and is related with the agricultural fertility.
(http://www.travelindia-guide.com/news_updates/images-india-news/navratri-celebration.jpg)
Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, Goddess Durga is worshipped continuously for nine days of Navratri. On the
tenth day, Goddess Saraswati is worshipped and on this day, school-going children worship
the tantrik symbol of the goddess for her blessing in their studies. This day is also considered
auspicious to begin any new thing or to buy new ornaments. Puja is performed on each day of
Navratri and devotees offer the flower garland to the idol or image of the goddess Durga.
In Mumbai, people visit various temples including the Ayyappa Temple at Goregaon.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3508/3999939039_c38b40b1a5.jpg)
Kashmir
In Kashmir, Hindu minorities of Kashmiri Pandits celebrate Navratri. People generally observe
fast for nine days and stay on water and fruits or eat the food specifically made for the fast,
only in the evening. They usually visit the temple of their guardian goddess Kheer Bhawani,
on all nine days of Navratri. Aarti is held on the last day of Navratri at the temple and it is
only after which, people break their fast. Many devotees also go to the mountain cave of the
Vaishno Devi Temple, during Navratri.
(http://www.indialuxuryvoyages.com/travel-blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/221051_f520.jpg)
Kerala
In Kerala, there is a tradition of beginning of formal education for every child aged 3-5 years
on the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja. On Ashtami, according to the custom, tools are not
used and are worshiped on this day. Goddess Saraswati is honored by worshiping the books
and records at home, on Navami. Thousands of devotees visit Saraswati temple at Kottayam,
during Navratri, to take a dip in the mysterious holy pond. People also visit the famous temples
at Thekkegram (Palghat).
(http://www.travel247.tv/india/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Mahadeva-Temple-Ettumanoor-Kumarakom.jpg)
Mysore, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh
In Mysore, Chamundi, the royal deity of the Mysore royalty is worshipped during Navratri,
with pomp and pageantry. There is a magnificent procession of elephants, horses, chariots
and costumed attendants on the tenth day, when Maharaja goes to worship the hilltop temple
of the goddess. In Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, women arrange 'Bommai Kolu',
a special placing of dolls decorated with flowers and ornaments on specially prepared steps.
Nine young 'kanyas' or virgins are offered new clothes and sweets. The married women share
flowers, kumkum and snacks among themselves. Thus, Navratri is celebrated in almost every
region of India, with little difference.
(http://reviews.in.88db.com/images/navratri-kolu.jpg)
OM SAI RAM, SRI SAI RAM, JAI JAI SAI RAM!!!
source: http://festivals.iloveindia.com/navratri/navratri-celebrations.html
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(http://www.saibabaofindia.com/Sep2008/shirdi-sai-baba-navaratri-1024.jpg)
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Happy Navratri to All...
I must say Subhasrini ji...a lovely compilation of pictures and facts by you.
Thank you for this beautiful article..and sheeding the basic knowledge as well as world wide knowledhe of navratras to all the memeber of forum.
May baba bless you you and your dear ones
Om shri sainathaya namah
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jai mata mahalaxmi